Call board



May 4, 1954 Filed Feb. 24, 1953 Z. A. BUMP CALL BOARD 2 Sheets-Sheet l ZEN/1S A. BUMP INVENTOR HUEBNER, BEEHLER,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G ATTORNEYS y 4, 1954 z. A. BUMP 2,677,347

CALL BOARD Filed Feb. 24, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ZENAS A. BUMP INVENm/P HUEB/VER, BEEHLER,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G ATTORNEYS Patented May 4, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BOARD Zenas A, Bump, Fresno,l( lalif.

Application February'24, 1953, Serial 1105338 536 7 Claims. '(01. 116-9135) The present invention relates to message racks of the general type known-in the tradeas call boards andmore particularly to such a rack having improved production, assembly, operatin and; adjustment characteristics.

In olfioes; factories and the like having extensive personnel, it frequently is-desira'ble'to have '-a central location at which it can speedily bedetermin'edwhich individuals are present and the anticipated arrival times for those who are absent. Although conventional time card racks for time clocks may permit the. ascertaining of those. present by -careful selection of the. cards-and their inspection, they do not suggestyanticipated arrival or return times. In small oihces, a secretary is sometimes cha'rged with the responsibility of knowing who ire-present and the anticipated arrival 'timesfor those "who are absent. This is an onerous task, at best, and'entirely impractical where many individuals are involved. Bulletin boards and call boards have heretofore been employed for the purpose but have generally been inconvenient'toemploy and unreliable :ecause of omissions by the individuals involved properly to record the'requi'site information.

An object of the present invention therefore, to provide an improved call boa-rd on'which desired information can. be so easily designated that individuals involved'do not hesitate to maintain the same in accurate condition.

Another object is to provide a callboard conveniently and easily controlled to designat the presence'o'r absence of numerous individuals and the anticipated arrival or return time of those who'are absent.

Another object is to provide such a can board that is readily modified to designate selectedindicia of any character whatsoever that can be visually represented on cards'irisertable'forthe purpose.

Another object is'to provide a device of the character described that can -be quickly and easily expanded or'contractedio accommodate varied capacity requirements.

Otherobjects are to 'provide improved elemerits and arrangcmentsthereof"in a device of the character described that are economical to produce, convenient and. easy to "assemble or disassemble, readily adjustable, durable, and

fully effective in act:ornp'lish'ing the intended nun.

poses.

still further objects and advantages will be come apparent in the subsequent description thespecification.

Referring-tome drawings:

Fig. .l is'a plan view of. a call board embodying the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is afront'elevation of the call board.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the call board'taken.an line-3+3 in Fig. 2.

"Fig-4 is a section similar .to Fig. 3 but with central portions thereof removed forillustrative convenience;

Fig. '5 is a fragmentary front elevation of.:one end of the .call board with its component parts in exploded relation for-purposes of identification.

Fig. '6 is an enlarged fragmentary frontelevation of time channel members and mounting plates-therefor utilized in the device of the present invention.

Fig, 7 is a horizontal section through one end of the call board taken 'on line 1- in Fig. 2.

Fig. '8 is .aview similar to Fig. 7 but with the members indisassembled and spaced. relation.

' Fig.9 is :a perspective of theportion of the callwboard shown in Fig. 8"with. the elements in similar disassembled relation.

Fig. 1.0 is an enlarged vertical transverse sec.- tionthrough the time channels zandtimeucards, as viewed from line l.!l-:-I O'i'n Fig-2.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings:

The call hoard on the instant invention is preferably isupportediona rectangular base member I0 formed of-sheet metal,- plastic or-other suitable material having a platform ll held in an elevated position .by'integral' vertical side and end walls I! and: lfirespectively. The lower'edges of' the walls 12 and i3 terminate. in "a common planerparallclto the platform and are adapted to reston-a fiatxhorizonta'lsurface, suchas a table top. with the platform spaced horizontally thereabove.

A'pair-of substantially identical molded, cast, or otherwise formed; standards 14 are mounted at opposite ends of "the platform I l as byscrews 5' extended upwardly through the platform and embedded in the standards.- "The standards each provide an '-.elongated foot 121 tightened downwardly against the platform in: substantially parallel "relation to its respectively adjacent end of the cplatfiorm; A pairwof elongated flanges' l8 arerpuoyided in siibstantially rightangularrelationto each footand upwardly extended there from. intermediate opposite sides of the i1 pl'a-tform. Eaoih-pair-of flanges defines a groove: .or channel 4 9 "therebetween and Withathe standards a s-shown.- thexchannek-are in fspaced Portions.- as hest-showninaflla 4.

The standards [4 are employed to receive and support card holders and a notice board 2! therebetween in vertically extended positions. These are conveniently and efiectively mounted between the standards by providing a pair of auxiliary channel members 23 slidably fitted to the grooves IS. The channel members are formed of transversely return bent elongated strips of sheet metal providing inwardly disposed channels.

The holders 20 each comprise a pair of elongated strips of sheet material having return bent side edges 28 and fiat central web portions 29. Pairs of such strips are secured together in back to back spaced relation by a rivet 30 passed therethrough adjacent to each end thereof having a spacer or washer 3! in circumscribing relation thereto intermediate the web portions.

Any desired number of pairs of mounting plates 32 are provided to retain the time holders in parallel edgewardly vertically spaced relation. Each pair consists of a mounting plate edgewardly fitted into a channel member 23. When more than one plate is employed in a channel member, as illustrated, such plates are arranged in endwardly abutting relation. .The mounting plates provide inwardly projected edges which are notched at 33 in corresponding elevationally spaced relation slidably to receive the spacers 3| of the rivets 30. To assemble the holders 20, a number thereof equal to the number of notches 33 in a given mounting plate 32 are arrangedin parallel spaced relation. A mounting plate is slid between the strips at the corresponding ends of the plurality of holders with the spacers 3! received in the notches. A companion mounting plate is similarly fitted between the strips at the opposite ends of the holders with the spacers likewise received in the notches. A plurality of pairs of mounting plates and their respective card holders are conveniently assembled by fitting corresponding plates of each pair in endwardly abutting relation into the channel members 23. So assembled, the channel members, mounting plates and card holders may be lifted, held in assembled relation by pressing inwardly on the channel members, and the whole retained in dependable assembly by sliding the channel members downwardly between the flanges la in the standards 14.

Substantially rectangular cards 31 bearing any desired indicia 38 are slidably fitted between the return bent side edges 28 of the holders 20. In the most popular commercial models of the subject invention, the cards bear indicia representative of the working hours of the day, as shown, and have the word in designated thereon for piuposes soon to become apparent. Name cards 39 are preferably slidably fitted between the side edges of the holders at opposite ends of the indicia cards 31 whereby individual employees or the like may be designated. Different names are usually designated at opposite each of the indicia cards 31 to increase the capacity of the board. Peripherally interrupted annular pointer 40 of resilient plastic, metal, or the like are slidably mounted on the oppositely disposed, adjacent, return bent side edges 28 of the holders 20, as best shown in Fig. 10, 'the adjacent ends of the pointers at the peripheral interruptions being slidably engaged with the indicia cards 31. The

ends of the pointers are preferably somewhat pointed, as shown in Fig. 2, more accurately to designate indicia on the cards 31. The indicia cards and the namecards preferably bear the same indicia on opposite sides of the call board but in reverse order as viewed. Thus said cards will read from left to right on one side of the call board in the same manner as the cards on the opposite side of the call board read from right to left. It will be seen, that when a pointer is located to designate selected indicia on a card at one side of the call board, it will automatically designate the same indicia on the card on the opposite side thereof.

It will be recalled that different names are designated at opposite ends of the indicia cards 31 so that each indicia card is useable for two individuals. The two pointers 40 registerable with each indicia card are arranged with one above its card and the other below. So as to designate which pointer represents a time of return for which individual the words In are arranged adjacent to opposite edges of the indicia cards. The pointer adjacent to the same edge of the card as the word In, designates the arrival time for the individual whose name card 39 is adjacent to the end of the indicia card on which said word In is designated. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, the pointers 40 above their respective indicia cards 31 designate arrival times for the individuals having name cards 39 at the left of the indicia cards and the lower pointers such times for the individuals having name cards at the right thereof.

The notice board 2| consists of a flat rectangular plate having parallel end edges so spaced as to be slidably receivable in the channel members 23 upwardly extended from the standards M. A clip is located against each face of the notice board 2| and riveted thereto as at 46 so that notices, letters, telegrams, or the like not shown, may be supported on the board for convenient observation by those concerned. In assembled relation, the notice board is rested in the channel members 23 on the upper ends of the mounting plates 32.

Operation The operation and utility of the present invention are believed to be apparent and are briefly summarized at this point. The call board is used principally in offices, factories or the like Where it is desired to indicate actual or anticipated arrival and/or departure times for a plurality of i individuals. In the use of the call board in a particular oflice, appropriate indicia cards 31 are inserted into the holders 20 to show appropriate time spans or the like. Name cards 39 are placed in the holders at opposite ends of the indicia cards and have the names of the individuals designated thereon who are served by the oflice and whose presence or absence and time of return are to be indicated on the board.

As the individual designated on the name cards 39 arrive at an office equipped with the subject invention, they move their respective pointers 40 to alignment with the adjacent words In of their respective indicia cards 31. Upon leaving the office, they move their pointers to alignment with a represented time at which they expect to return to the ofilce. It is thus possible at a glance to determine which individuals are in the ofilce, which are out of the oflice, and the expected times of return for the absent individuals. Any urgent messages may be called to the attention of any individual whose name is designated on the name cards 39 by inserting the same under the-clips 45. While the subject invention has been described in terms of the designation of the presence or absence of individuals and the anticipated time of return of'those who are absent, it will be clearly apparent that cards of entirely different character may be substituted for those described to accomplish other notice, message, or recording functions. The essence of the'present invention does not reside in the particular indicia employed onthe cards but rather in the structure provided which makes possible the superior results attained.

As previously described,'the cards -'3'|' and 3 9, pointers all, holders 2! mounting plates 32, and channel members 23"are speedily and easilyassembled and slidably inserted between the flanges H3 in the standards M where they aredependably held in desired assembly. The-plate 44- may be conveniently insertedin the upwardly extended ends of the channel members 23'and'as readily removed.

The capacity of the callboard is easily increased, by substituting longer channel members 23 and inserting additional sets of mounting plates 32 and their respective holders 20 therein. Somewhat similarly, any unused indicia cards 31, name cards 39 and their respective holders 20 may be removed by sliding their mounting plates *32 upwardly from the channel members 23 subsequent to removal of the notice board 2|. The return of the notice board after'removal of the unused holders and cards and the slidable depressing of the plate downwardly against the uppermost holder, assures the maintenance ofthecall board in neat and attractive condition.

The device of the present invention is economical to produce, durable, fully adjustable, and effectively accomplishes itsintended purposes.

Although the invention has been herein shown described in what is conceived to be the most practical and-preferred embodiment, it is recogniaed that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A call board comprising a pair of spaced standards, a pair of channel members releasably mounted in facing relation in the standards,

elongated mounting plates slidably and releasably mounted in opposingrelation in the channel members having edges extended therefrom, holding members having upper and lower edges, means releasably mounting the holding members in substantially parallel spaced'relation between the extended edges of opposed plates in facing channels and constraining movement of the holding members and mounting plates to sliding movement in the channels, indicia cards, means releasably mounting the indicia cards on the holding members, mounting members releasably mounted on the extended edges of the plates in substantially parallel spaced relation and having upper and lower edges, indicia cards releasably borne by the mounting members, and pointers slidably mounted on the edges of the mounting members having ends disposed adjacent to the indicia cards.

2. A call board comprising a pair of spaced standards, a pair of channel members releasably mounted in substantially parallel facing relation in the standards, elongated mounting plates slidably and releasably mounted in opposing relation in the channel members having edges extended therefrom, holding members having upper 6.. and lower "edges and laterally disposed -srdes, means releasably mounting the holding members insubstantially parallel spaced relation between the extended edges of'opposed plates in facing channels and constraining movement of the holding members and mounting plates to sliding movement in the channels, indicia cards, means releasably -mounting the indicia cards on the holding members against the laterally disposed sides thereof, mounting members releasably mounted on the extended edgeso'f thepl'ates in substantially parallel spaced relation and having upper and lower edges and laterally disposed sides, indicia cards releasably borne by the mounting members against the laterally disposed sides thereof, pointers slidably mounted on the edges of the mounting membershaving ends disposed adjacent to the indicia cards, and a sub stantially fiat notice board having opposite ends slidably fitted into the channel members and rested in stacked relation on the mounting plates.

3. A call board comprising a pair of erect standards mounted in substantially parallel re lation and having a pair of facing channelsthrein; an elongated channel member releasably-fitted into the channeloi each standard anden'dwardly extended therefrom; elongated mounting plates releasably fitted edgewardly into the'channel-member having in opposing relation edges extended therefrom, the edges of said plates having notches in corresponding spaced relation therealong; a plurality of card holding members arranged in substantially parallel spaced relation each having opposite ends supported in corresponding notches of the opposing plates, each holding member comprising a pair of elongated strips having'opposite ends fitted against opposite sides of the opposing plates and upper and lower edges outwardly ret'urn bent, and'spacers rested in the notches of the plates interconnecting the strips of each pair in substantiall'y parallel spacedrelation; andindicia cards releasably fitted between the return bent edgesof the strips of the mounting members.

4. A call board comprising a pair of erect standards mounted in substantially parallel relation and having a pair of facing channels therein; an elongated channel'member releasably fitted into the channel of each standard and endwardly extended therefrom; a' plurality of mountin plates releasablyfitted edgewardly into each channel memberin opposing positions relative to the'facing channels and in endvvardly abutting relationin each channel; the plurality'ofplates in each channel member having edges extended therefrom and said edges of the plates having notches in corresponding spaced relation therealong; a plurality of card'holding members arranged in substantially parallel spaced relation each having opposite ends supported in corresponding notches of the opposed plates, each holding member consisting of a pair of elongated strips having opposite ends fitted against opposite sides of the opposing plates and upper and lower edges outwardly return bent, and spacers rested in the notches of the plates interconnecting the strips of each pair in substantially parallel spaced relation; indicia cards releasably fitted between the return bent edges of the strips of the card holding members; and pointers mounted for longitudinal slidable adjustable movement on the return bent edges of the strips.

5. A call board comprising a base, a pair of standards integral with the base having a pair of facing channels therein, an elongated channel 7 member slidably fitted to the channel of each standard, a pair of substantially rectangular plates of predetermined thickness each having an edge slidably fitted into a channel member and an opposite edge extended therefrom, the plates being disposed in a common plane and the extended edges thereof being notched in corresponding positions in spaced relation to the base, a substantially cylindrical spacer having opposite ends and of an axial length substantially equal to the predetermined thickness of the plates releasably rested in each'notch, a pair of substantially rectangular strips of sheet material each secured against opposite ends of corresponding spacers located in corresponding notches of the mounting plates and interconnecting said spacers in fixed spaced relation, the pair of strips connected to opposite ends of the corresponding spacers having ends slidably fitted on opposite sides of the mounting plates and upper and lower edges outwardly return bent to define laterally disposed card receiving channels, indicia cards slidably fitted to the card receiving channels, name cards slidably fitted to the card receiving channels adjacent to the indicia cards, and a peripherally interrupted annular pointer slidably fitted over each adjacent pair of return bent edges of each pair of strips for adjustable movement longitudinally thereof and having opposite ends disposed adjacent to the indicia cards on opposite sides of its pair of strips.

6. A call board comprising a base, a pair of standards mounted on the base and upwardly extended therefrom in substantially parallel relation, each of the standards having a channel therein in substantially erect position and the channels being disposed in spaced juxtaposition; an elongated channel member slidably fitted into the channel of each standard; a substantially rectangular mounting plate slidably fitted into each channel member and having an edge extended therefrom providing vertically spaced notches, the plates being disposed in a common plane and their corresponding notches being in substantially horizontal alignment; holding members releasably supported in elevationally spaced substantially horizontal positions in the notches of the mounting plates, each holding member consisting of a pair of elongated substantially parallel strips of sheet material, and a pair of annular spacers secured between the strips at opposite ends thereof, the spacers being releasably rested in the notches of the mounting plates with their respectively adjacent ends of the strips slidably fitted on opposite sides of the mounting plates, each of the strips having an upper and a lower transverse edge outwardly return bent with respect to its opposite strip; indicia cards slidably fitted between the return bent edges of the individual strips; and peripherally interrupted annular pointers of resilient material slidably fitted over the corresponding return bent edges of each pair of holding members having opposite ends slidably engaged with the indicia cards on opposite sides of their respective holding members.

'7. A call board comprising a base, a pair of standards mounted on the base and upwardly extended therefrom in substantially parallel relation, each of the standards having a channel therein in substantially erect position and the channels being disposed in spaced juxtaposition; an elongated channel member slidably fitted into the channel of each standard; a substantially rectangular mounting plate slidably fitted into each channel member and having an edge extended therefrom providing vertically spaced notches, the plates being disposed in a common plane and their corresponding notches being in substantially horizontal alignment; holding members releasably supported in elevationally spaced substantially horizontal positions in the notches of the mounting plates, each holding member consisting of a pair of elongated substantially parallel strips of sheet material, and a pair of annular spacers secured between the strips at opposite ends thereof, the spacers being releasably rested in the notches of the mounting plates with their respectively adjacent ends of the strips slidably fitted on opposite sides of the mounting plates, each of the strips having an upper and a lower transverse edge outwardly return bent with respect to its opposite strip; indicia cards slidably fitted between the return bent edges of the individual strips; peripherally interrupted annular pointers of resilient material slidably fitted over the corresponding return bent edges of each pair of holding members having opposite ends slidably engaged with the indicia cards on opposite sides of their respective holding members; a notice board slidably fitted in the upwardly extended ends of the channel members and rested on the upper ends of the mounting plates; and clip means mounted on the notice board adapted releasably to hold messages against the notice board. 

